Update
Since September 1, 2006 SFC Graphics, in Toledo, Ohio has embraced the responsibility and expended the effort to make Flat Daddies and Mommies free to deserving children of deployed U.S. military service members. The company established a website and online ordering system to make it possible, and has received and filled thousands of orders in the past 20 months. While the activity has garnered the attention and praise of children, spouses, groups and organizations who have benefited from the offer, not to mention the media from around the world, it has not attracted enough like-minded financial supporters to sustain the free offer.
A limited number of caring individuals and companies found it in the their hearts and pocketbooks to help with donations and other goodwill gestures, and these contributions have been welcomed, appreciated and put to good use. However, due to the lack of adequate financial support, the company must make the unfortunate and difficult decision to discontinue the free offer until additional funding becomes available.
Over 6,000 orders valued at over $275,000 have been given away to date. Orders that have been received on or before April 9th, 2008 will be fulfilled based on the original commitment of 60 per week, which means the last Free Flat Daddies are expected to ship the week September 10th, 2008. Any orders received after April 9th, 2008 will be asked to pay $49.50, and will ship in three weeks or less. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services.
The company regrets having to take this steps, but the impact of the ongoing free offer coupled with other economic factors has made it imperative that this free offer be paused until other funding sources become available.
Potential sponsors and companies wishing to support Flat Daddies directly or indirectly are invited to email questions@flatdaddies.com with relevant information and actionable ideas in which you or your company can play a role.
SFC would like to thank LexJet for donating a substantial amount of material, National City Bank for supporting of the children of the 180th Fighter Wing of the Ohio Air National Guard, Elaine Dumler for her guidance and support, and a long list of other supporters who made Flat Daddies possible.